Timeline: CLA230 - The Greek World | Timetoast Timeline Maker

Period: 1600 BCE to 1200 BCE

The Late Bronze Age

1500 BCE

First palaces are constructed at Mycenae

The palaces were important centers in the Mycenaean economy. Their introduction shows a new level of complexity in the political organization of Mycenean kings .

1200 BCE

The Mycenaean palaces are destroyed

In Myceneans palaces everything was written in Linear B. After this point in history writing seems to disappear until c.700 BCE where we find a resurgence in Greek literacy through Alphabetic symbolization.

Period: 1200 BCE to 800 BCE

Iron (or Dark) Age

950 BCE

First settlement on site of Sparta

On the west bank of the river Eurotas. The area becomes four villages: Pitana, Mesoa, Limnai and Kynosure which will adjoin at some point to make-up Sparta.

Period: 800 BCE to 479 BCE

Archaic Period

776 BCE

The first Olympic games

734 BCE

The foundation of the city of Syracuse

680 BCE

Gyges becomes King of Lydia, founding Mermnad Dynasty

660 BCE

The Messenian rebellion

The helot rebellion comes at a time where Sparta is also facing major external threats such as the defeat suffered to the Argos at Hysiai in c.669 BCE. This will be an ongoing struggle between the Spartans and their slaves.

650 BCE

The Dreros Law

Inscribed in stone, it is the earliest know Greek law. It was discovered in an ancient settlement on the island of Crete.

610 BCE

The neo-Assyrian empire is overthrown

Results from a combination of Babylon rebellion and the Medes. The collapse results in the Medes expanding into Anatolia and Iran, while the Babylonians struggle with Egypt in the south-west.

594 BCE

The appointment of Solon to resolve the Athenian economic crisis

Subdues the threat of civil war in Athens temporarily in a time of crisis. However his efforts would not be enough to maintain stability.

559 BCE

Cyrus becomes king of Persia

By 550, Cyrus defeats the Medes. This begins a major Persian conquest.

546 BCE

Lydia conquered by Persians

546 BCE

Pisistratus becomes tyrant of Athens

546 BCE

Pisistratus' second coup to become Tyrant of Athens

After failing in 561 BCE, Pisistratus makes another attempt with the support of mercenaries to become the sole ruler. He succeeds until his death in 527 BCE. He maintains Solon's constitution while developing public programs, buildings and festivals.

539 BCE

Babylon falls to Persians

After conquering Lydia, the Persians defeat their Babylonian allies. This completes a major transformation in Persian territory and kingdom.

514 BCE

Hipparchus is murdered by Harmodius and Aristogeneiton

This is one event in a chain of chaos following the death of Pisistratus. Aristocratic factions are in constant tension over who should rule. This demonstrates the Athens' struggles prior to its democratic reform.

507 BCE